May I get your input on how to approach an extended family member who is struggling? I know that before my recent 85 pound weight loss, I was quite sensitive about the gain. I have been thin to average for most of my life, so I took my gain incredibly hard. I was mortified. However, I had to make the change on my own and it happened quickly.

However, my extended family member has been quite obese since he was about 5 years old. He has suffered certain health issues due to his weight. Doctors have begged him to lose weight. He’s not even 30 years old! He has lost and gained like a yo-yo.

I have observed him eating decadent food before with a look of ecstasy on his face. It was troubling to see that level of intensity over gorging on massive amounts of food. I knew then that this is very serious.

I truly believe he has no control of the disorder. Would it be overstepping to tell him about OA? He probably wouldn’t go. He seems to love the large amounts of decadent food too much. I fear for his future, but have no way to help him. He has refused to consider medication or bariatric surgery. I guess he is over 500 pounds.